BIO430 Avian Biology (8)
CSU Discipline Area: Biological Sciences (BILSC)
Duration: One session
Abstract:
A thorough knowledge of avian biology is fundamental to understanding the functional traits of birds and how this relates to their ecology and conservation. In this subject, students examine the major organs of birds and their unique functions in survival and reproduction, and how these functions vary among species during a residential school . Special emphasis is placed on adaptations for flight, foraging, breeding and communication. This includes the function of feathers in flight and thermoregulation, bone and muscle adaptations for flight, and respiratory, circulatory and excretory function in flight. Students will also examine foraging and digestion, types of mating systems and parental care, and visual and vocal communication.
+ Subject Availability Modes and Locations
| Session 2 | |
|---|---|
| Distance * | Albury-Wodonga |
*This subject offering contains a residential school. Please view following information for further details.
Continuing students should consult the SAL for current offering details: BIO430
Where differences exist between the Handbook and the SAL, the SAL should be taken as containing the correct subject offering details.
Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this subject, students should:
be able to:
- identify the external and internal anatomy of birds and the specialised features for flight;
- explain the mechanics and physiology of flight in different groups of birds;
- describe the functions of avian organ systems which contribute to flight;
- compare the variety of beak morphologies and foraging strategies among birds;
- recognise the variety of mating and breeding systems in birds and the relationships to social organisations, and
- explain the functions of sight, movement, hearing and vocalisation in communication, survival and reproduction.
Syllabus:
The subject will cover the following topics:
1. External anatomy: structure of skin, feathers, beak and scales;
2. Function of feathers in flight and thermoregulation;
3. Bone structure and shape and skeletal adaptations for flight;
4. Wing and leg muscle adaptations for flight;
5. Flight physiology: respiratory, circulatory and excretory adaptations for flight;
6. Foods, beak shapes and foraging methods;
7. Digestion and energetics;
8. Sex, copulation, egg production and incubation;
9. Embryonic development, egg physiology and post-hatching development;
10. Parental care;
11. Types of mating systems;
12. Functions of the brain and sense organs in sight and hearing;
13. Functions of plumage colour and displays in visual communication; and
14. Roles of song learning vs. innate song production in vocal communication.
Residential School
This subject contains a compulsory 3 day residential school.
To give students practical experience in identifying the major morphological characteristics of birds, and quantifying bird foraging behaviour. Students will study avian skeletons, dissect preserved specimens to examine the digestive, reproductive and circulatory systems, examine external morphology of preserved specimens, undertake a field trip to observe foraging behaviour and relate this to flight adaptations.
The information contained in the 2013 CSU Handbook was accurate at the date of publication: 24 April 2013. The University reserves the right to vary the information at any time without notice.